From Keto Confusion to Metabolic Clarity: How Matteo Lowered His A1C and Restored Energy Fast

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Article written and reviewed by Robby Barbaro, MPH
Published April 22, 2026

Meet Matteo. He always believed he could figure things out on his own.

When it came to managing his blood sugar, he took an independent approach, searching for answers, testing different strategies, and trying to stay in control without relying heavily on medication.

For a while, that meant following a ketogenic diet. At first, it seemed like the logical path. Avoid carbohydrates, control blood sugar, and keep things stable. But over time, something did not feel right.

Despite his efforts, his body was not responding the way he expected.

When Restriction Stops Working

Matteo spent close to a year following a ketogenic diet while living between Spain and Italy.

He approached it with discipline and consistency, but instead of improving his metabolic health, he felt increasingly restricted and disconnected from food. Meals became limited. Enjoyment decreased. And most importantly, his underlying metabolic issues were not improving the way he had hoped.

His A1c remained around 6.0, and he began to suspect that something deeper was driving the problem.

He started researching insulin resistance and looking for alternatives that addressed the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. That search led him to Mastering Diabetes.

A Different Perspective on Carbohydrates and Insulin Resistance

At first, the approach did not make sense to him. After spending so much time believing that carbohydrates were the problem, the idea of eating more of them felt counterintuitive. But as he explored the science, watched videos, and eventually read the book, something began to click.

The focus was not on avoiding carbohydrates, it was on improving insulin sensitivity. That distinction changed everything.

Instead of restricting food, the goal was to restore the body’s ability to process glucose effectively by reducing fat accumulation inside muscle and liver cells.

For Matteo, this was a completely new way of thinking. He scheduled a free discovery call, that led him to join the coaching program.

Early Skepticism Turns Into Rapid Results

Even after joining the program, Matteo approached the method with caution.

Coming from a ketogenic background, he expected that increasing carbohydrate intake would lead to immediate spikes in blood sugar. In the beginning, he did experience some fluctuations, which he quickly learned were part of the transition process.

But within days, something began to change. His body started responding differently to carbohydrates.

As he reduced dietary fat and increased his intake of whole, plant-based foods, he noticed that his blood sugar became more stable. Insulin began working more effectively, and the same foods that once caused concern were now being processed efficiently.

This shift happened faster than he expected.

Matteo’s Before and After Results

Within just a couple of months, Matteo saw measurable improvements across multiple health markers.

Header

Before

After

A1c (%)

6.0

5.4

Liver Enzymes

65/104

42/47

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

317

180

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

218

118

In just over three months, he lowered his A1c by more than three full percentage points, brought his fasting glucose into a healthy range, and lost over 37 pounds.

These changes represented a complete shift in his metabolic health.

Eating More Food While Improving Blood Sugar

In a short period of time, his A1c dropped, his liver enzymes normalized, and his cholesterol profile improved significantly.

These results reinforced that the changes he was making were addressing the underlying physiology.

Rediscovering Freedom With Food

One of the most meaningful changes Matteo experienced was his relationship with food.

During his time on a ketogenic diet, eating felt restrictive. Entire food groups were off-limits, and meals lacked variety and enjoyment. Now, that had completely changed.

He began incorporating a wide range of foods into his diet, including whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and especially fruit. Fruit became a daily staple, something he now enjoys at nearly every meal.

Instead of avoiding food, he feels free to explore it. Meals are no longer something to control or limit. They are something to enjoy.

This shift has made the lifestyle not only effective, but sustainable.

Improvements in Energy, Mood, and Mental Clarity

Beyond the measurable lab results, Matteo noticed significant improvements in how he felt on a daily basis.

His energy levels increased.

He experienced better mental clarity and reduced fatigue. His mood improved, and he felt more balanced overall.

These changes were not gradual. They happened quickly, reinforcing that his body was responding positively to the new approach.

For Matteo, this combination of physical and mental improvements was just as important as the lab values.

Understanding How the Body Heals

One of the most powerful realizations Matteo had during this process was how adaptable the human body is.

Initially, he was concerned that his metabolic function might be permanently impaired after years of struggling with blood sugar and following restrictive diets.

But what he discovered was the opposite. When given the right inputs, the body responds quickly.

By shifting his nutrition and incorporating regular movement, he saw his body begin to regulate itself more effectively. Insulin sensitivity improved, glucose control stabilized, and key biomarkers returned to healthier ranges.

This gave him confidence that the body is not broken. It simply needs the right environment to function properly.

The Role of Support and Structure

While the nutritional approach was central to his success, Matteo also emphasizes the importance of support and guidance.

Being part of a community where people check in regularly, offer feedback, and share their experiences made a significant difference.

He did not feel like he was navigating the process alone.

The structure of the program, including tools like the decision tree and daily tracking, helped him understand how to adjust and improve over time.

As he gained experience, he became more independent and confident in managing his approach.

A New Outlook on Long-Term Health

Looking back, Matteo recognizes that his previous approach was focused on control rather than correction.

He was trying to manage blood sugar rather than address the root cause. Now, his perspective has shifted.

He sees that improving insulin sensitivity can lead to meaningful, lasting changes. Whether someone is living with type 2 diabetes or another form of blood sugar dysregulation, he believes that this approach offers a path forward.

Even for individuals who feel their condition is “under control,” he emphasizes that there is always room for improvement.

What Matteo Wants Others to Know

Matteo understands the hesitation that comes with trying something new, especially when it contradicts what you have believed for years.

He experienced that hesitation himself. But his advice is simple: Try it.

He believes that the results speak for themselves. When you give your body the right conditions, you can see meaningful improvements in a very short period of time.

For him, the transformation was not just about numbers. It was about regaining freedom, energy, and confidence.

Ready to See Results Like Matteo?

If you have tried restrictive diets, struggled with inconsistent blood sugar, or feel like you are managing symptoms without addressing the root cause, Matteo’s story shows that there is another way.

Book a free discovery call with one of our advisors and learn how to begin your own transformation.

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About the author 

Robby Barbaro, MPH

Robby Barbaro, MPH is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

Robby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and has been living this lifestyle since 2006. In that time, while eating pounds of fruit every day, his HbA1c has been stable with a current A1c of 5.3%, TIR of 92%, and average total daily insulin use of 30 units.

Robby graduated from the University of Florida and is the cofounder of Mastering Diabetes and Amla Green. He worked at Forks Over Knives for six years before turning his attention in 2016 to coaching people with diabetes full time.

He is the co-host of the annual Mastering Diabetes Online Summit, a featured speaker at VegFest LA, and has been featured on The Doctors, Forks Over Knives, Vice, Thrive Magazine, Diet Fiction, and the wildly popular podcasts the Rich Roll Podcast, Plant Proof, MindBodyGreen, and Nutrition Rounds.

Robby enjoys exercising every day, spending time with friends, and sharing his lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.